Resilience can help in recovery from trauma

The events of 9/11 provided society with a natural experiment, similar to the events of war. The research done regarding the horrific events of 9/11 has increased the understanding of how the brain responds to trauma and the causes of PTSD. This research has allowed for a better understanding of what can be done to help people recover from such horrific events. This research indicates that there may be a window of time during which resilience was discovered to be one of the biggest elements for recovery.

The components of resilience include:

--Appraisal: the way in which one interprets events.

--Physical resilience: physical “toughening” and “tempering.

--Psychological resilience: viewing situations as challenges.

--Social networks of family and friends and external support such as support groups.

Learning about resilience and how to obtain it, recover it and teach it has implications for how we prepare young people for adulthood. We live in a world that has increasingly huge problems without clear solutions. In attempting to cope with all of the stresses in ones’ life, the question is, “what can help?”

In a world of endless fear, resilience is the key to coping with real or perceived threats. Teaching resilience to our children and society as a whole can be beneficial in handling our fears.

Psychological elements and characteristics of resilience include:

--Optimism

Extremely optimistic people tend to show greater resilience. They have the skill of planning and problem- solving as well as healthier cognitive responses.

--Altruism

Helping others is one way to handle stress and can be used as a therapeutic recovery tool.

--Faith and spirituality

Using daily prayer as a ritual seems to help. Having a moral compass or a set of beliefs that cannot be shattered.

--Humor

Being able to find the “funny” side of adverse events may contribute to resilience.

--Having a role model.

Many people with role models draw strength from them. Having social competence and openness to social support promotes resilience.

--Facing fear (or leaving one’s comfort zone).

Challenging oneself to complete a task within reason and within one’s abilities is related to resilience. Resilient individuals may be better at reappraisal or might use reappraisal more frequently.

--Having a mission or meaning in life

A sense of purpose and an internal framework of beliefs about right and wrong are characteristic of resilient individuals. Religious and spiritual beliefs might also facilitate recovery and finding meaning in life after the trauma.

--Training

One can be trained to become a resilient person or to develop resilience by experience in meeting and overcoming challenges.